I amsterdam - Prostitution

Aims of the policy on prostitution
The Government has imposed conditions on the location, organization and business operations of brothels in an attempt to regulate prostitution, tackle forced prostitution and protect minors from sexual abuse. These conditions are laid down in legislation, zoning plans and various bi-laws. As part of a move to improve working conditions for prostitutes, establishments must obtain a certificate stating that they have met the legal requirements.

Monitoring the regulations
The police and the urban district council (Building and Housing Inspectorate) are the main bodies responsible for enforcing the various laws and stipulations, though sometimes the Health & Safety Inspectorate or Tax Administration are also brought in. Inspections are regularly held to assure that illegal or under-age prostitutes are not working in the establishments.

A business that fails to comply with the regulations will face various measures. Minor violations such as a lack of supervision, the presence of illegal prostitutes or creating nuisance to the surrounding area, will result in the imposition of a step-by-step plan that may eventually lead to closure.

Streetwalking Zones
While street prostitution is prohibited, between 1996 and December 2003, the 'Tippelzone' area on the Theemsweg was designated for such activities. While this seemed contradictory, it is a measure for the municipal authorities to concentrate street prostitution into one area, outside of the city centre, in order to regulate it. The area is also an attempt to improve the safety and negotiating position of the prostitutes.

However, an evaluation carried out in 2002 showed that too many prostitutes were working in the streetwalking area. Many of them were staying in the Netherlands illegally and there was even evidence to suggest that they had been brought here by groups working within organized crime.

The tighter policy introduced to resolve the problem had little effect. The evaluation report stated that although the situation had improved slightly, the area was still being used by women traffickers who were forcing their victims into prostitution. The municipal authorities decided to close this zone.

Care
The GG&GD (Municipal Health Services) plays a large role in supplying prostitutes with information and care. They provide regular surgeries, projects for various target groups and a free or low-cost clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. A number of smaller organizations, such as the Prostitutes' Union ‘Stichting de Rode Draad’ (literally 'The Red Thread', but meaning 'The Common Thread') and the ‘Prostitutie Informatie Centrum’ (Prostitutes' Information Centre), also provides information and support to prostitutes on all issues and problems. ‘AMOC’ and ‘Regenboog’ are organizations that focus their efforts on helping prostitutes with drug habits.